By Robert Jordan
Dunn Daily Record
DUNN – An all terrain vehicle rollover claimed the life of a man on Turlington Road in Harnett County and anguished many fans of the mud racing sport world.
Harnett County Communications Center received a 911 call on Wednesday afternoon at 4:44 p.m. requesting EMS and fire departments for an ATV wreck where the sole victim was possibly deceased. People on the scene began CPR in an effort to save the man’s life.
Robert Parker, 38, was severely injured when the vehicle on which he was riding in a field on Turlington Road turned over on top of him.
Resuscitation efforts were still underway when a Harnett County deputy arrived on the scene.
Due to the reported mechanism of injury and the severity of the victim’s situation, a medical helicopter was dispatched to the helipad at Betsy Johnson Hospital.
Paramedics and firefighters from Coats-Grove Fire and Rescue immediately responded to the incident where they transported him to the hospital in Dunn.
The helicopter landed on the helipad at 5:15 p.m., but Parker died before he could be loaded for flight to a trauma center.
His wife, Casey, posted on social media, “Today I lost my best friend and the best dad to my kids! Please pray for me, our kids, our family and our friends as we face this impossible task of saying goodbye.”
Robert Parker leaves behind his wife of 17 years, Casey; his 18-year-old daughter, Carleigh, who attends Barton College; his 13 year-old son, Nathan; and his 10 year-old daughter, Sawyer.
Parker was a devout Christian and an avid fan of the ATV sport world, his brother-in-law, Blake Pounders, told The Daily Record. Through his connections with building and racing ATVs, Parker was a big team builder. He was able to mentor and witness to many young people in the sports world as he helped organize Team Momentum Racing.
Arrangements to honor Parker’s life are being handled by Rose & Graham Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Carleigh, Nathan, and Sawyer Parker Scholarship Fund, C/O Casey Parker 1798 Turlington Road, Dunn, NC 28334.
Lord have mercy on the departed and hus family.